In a move likely to stir debate within Nigeria’s political opposition, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid — despite Tinubu being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The endorsement, announced Monday by Ogun PDP chairman Abayomi Tella, came during the official flag-off of the party’s campaign for the upcoming Remo Federal Constituency bye-election. The event was held at the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland in Sagamu.
Tella framed the decision as one of regional solidarity, not partisan loyalty.
“We will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Though he is in the opposition, let us support our own from the Southwest,” he said. “Our support is for Tinubu, and we will stand by him. We are ready to give him our votes.”
His remarks appeared to reflect growing discontent with the current political alignment within the PDP in Ogun State and may signal a broader ideological rift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also present at the event was Ladi Adebutu, the PDP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in the state, who echoed support for President Tinubu while sharply criticizing the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State. Adebutu insisted that the PDP would continue to challenge what he called “bad governance” in the state.
“I was with the President in January, and I told him that we have no issue with his leadership and candidacy,” Adebutu said. “We, however, have an issue with bad governance in Ogun State; that is why we must have this platform to challenge it.”
The endorsement comes as the PDP grapples with internal divisions. Tella addressed recent defections of party members, including former deputy governorship candidate Adekunle Akinlade, who joined the APC. He dismissed the defections as inconsequential, saying, “Even their polling units, they couldn’t deliver. We are not moved by that.”
The campaign event also marked the formal launch of Hon. Bolarinwa Oluwole’s bid for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. The seat was left vacant following the death of Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga earlier this year.
Oluwole, speaking to supporters, pledged to provide “quality and responsive representation” if elected. The PDP’s National Vice Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, presented the party’s flag to Oluwole, sealing his candidacy.
Adebutu emphasized the importance of winning the upcoming bye-election, describing it as a chance for voters to express dissatisfaction with the APC-led state government. “This is an opportunity to punish bad governance and restore sanity,” he said.
While President Tinubu has yet to formally declare for re-election, the Ogun PDP’s endorsement may add momentum to an anticipated second-term campaign. However, the public support of a sitting president by an opposition chapter is likely to raise eyebrows within PDP’s national leadership — and may foreshadow deeper cracks in the party’s unity ahead of 2027.
